Previously, whilst playing with clay as a hobby, I made bowls and vases. Although nice to look at, to me they have felt empty and meaningless. As a handbuilder the process is slow and time consuming, therefore I could not compete on cost with a thrower, with price being one of the considerations for customers. This came to a head when a customer queried why my work was more expensive to buy than other exhibitors and therefore I wanted to re-examine my direction of travel on this course.
I feel the masterclasses and mini projects undertaken so far have been a valuable starting point in developing my work. Each task I have tried to link it into my research project so that the gained knowledge can influence my direction. When I stated this degree, my aim was to create my own glaze but was unclear what my work would be. The stand and deliver project was fundamental to addressing this as the inspiration was something deeply personal to me creating a new direction of travel into outdoor sculptures.
The self-initiated project gave me the opportunity to try a small selection of carving techniques and also to start considering form. My main testing has been exploring the raw materials to see how they react to heat which has been a great learning outcome. How the finish on the clay changes with temperature and affected by the inclusion of the grog will influence my making methods. I definitely prefer the finish of the shale clay at high fired temperatures. It was important to understand how practical my new direction will be, from start to finish. Some of the pieces made will be exhibited in an outdoor sculpture trail this summer testing my ability to present my work and the challenges this may occur.
Making larger pieces is challenging, wedging for example, as you are shifting bigger amounts of clay. Using a solid block of clay to carve into is hard and therefore its important to explore other methods of making (eg slab, coiling) and/or construction (eg modular, bricks), which don’t rely on wedging large amounts of clay in one go. Types of clay bodies used was an important learning outcome as clay may need grog for strength. The flatter forms have limited my use of glaze and as I want a glaze finish to my work, I would need to rethink my designs. I have been able to melt some raw materials (eg slate) but need to explore how I can make this into a useable glaze for application. At this stage I prefer mechanical forms of carving.
The box of secrets project has challenged my ability to develop and communicate my ideas on paper, trying to tease out the more pleasing forms and my ability to respond to a brief. It has also enabled me to try different clay bodies and texture making techniques which I intend to develop further. Away from the mini projects, I have also spent time developing my form, through line drawings of my local natural landscape and then capturing the essence in 3D clay forms.
Next steps
•Use shards as inspiration for form
•Expand the narrative to include both natural and industrial landscape
•Incorporate local materials into glaze formation
•Contact brickwork company regarding collaboration
•Explore different clay bodies
•Explore different making methods
Comentarios